Having thoroughly enjoyed the first volume of this series, I had high expectations for this one. However, I must admit that I was a bit disappointed as it didn't quite match up to what I had hoped for.

First of all, in the beginning and towards the end, the point of view keeps jumping around from the first person (Claire) to the third person. This is because we are following another character and Claire isn't always present. The issue with this is that this other character does little more than notice how beautiful and wonderful Claire is. It feels rather one-sided and doesn't add much depth to the story.

Secondly, the book has some parts that seem to drag on. The pacing could have been better, as it sometimes made me lose interest and struggle to stay engaged.

The idea of using flashbacks is nice, but it also has its drawbacks. As you're reading, you start to think, "Well, she's telling this story to her daughter, so obviously she survives all this." This takes away some of the suspense and excitement that could have been there.

We find ourselves in 1968, with Claire and her daughter in Scotland. Claire sees this as the perfect opportunity to tell the truth about what happened to her 20 years ago. We then go on a long flashback, told only from Claire's point of view, picking up where the first volume left off. We follow Claire and Jamie in Paris, where they are trying to avoid a massacre, knowing what history will tell. The story's rhythm is somewhat slow, which allows us to get to know the French court and the politics behind history. However, while this worked well in the previous volume, it doesn't have the same effect here. The book becomes dull and drags in places where it really didn't need to. It was all too easy to put it down and find excuses not to pick it up again.

The end was interesting, though, and it was left open, which makes me curious about the next book. However, I don't think I'll be picking it up anytime soon, as I need a break from this series for a while.

My feelings toward Diana Gabaldon are a complex mix of love and hate.

On one hand, she is truly one of the greatest writers I've ever encountered. Her painstaking attention to detail and the vast amount of research she must have done to craft her 7 (currently) massive novels in this series are truly remarkable. I have a deep love for her characters and how the events are intricately interwoven with real historical happenings. She is, without a doubt, a literary genius when it comes to historical fiction.

However, there are also aspects that I can't help but criticize. Seriously, I found myself repeatedly thinking, "Why did we need to know that? What has the last 200 pages really added to the overall story?" The books are beautifully written, but they are about 500 - 600 pages too long. Gabaldon often strays into subplots that we (or at least I) don't really care about. Her verbose writing style might earn an A* in a literary test, but it can still feel like excessive waffle at times. And the sheer size of her books can be quite off-putting. She should have omitted those parts that weren't essential and given readers a more manageable 400 - 500 page novel.

The start of this book was even slower than Outlander. Who really cares about Roger Wakefield at this point? The overly long beginning was meant to tell us that something bad had occurred, causing Claire to return to the future, where she had given birth to Jamie's daughter and, for some reason, believed her wonderful red-headed Scot had been killed in the battle of Culloden. Then we are taken back in time to when Claire and Jamie are in France, attempting to stop the rebellion before it even begins.

This whole concept seemed a bit scientifically risky to me. If we assume that they could change time and prevent the battle, surely this would lead to a complete upheaval of historical events, resulting in numerous changes. If such a significant event were to happen, it's likely that everything would be different, and it's improbable that Claire Randall would have ended up in Scotland at precisely that time to wander through the stones. And, of course, if she hadn't gone through the stones, she would never have been there to warn Jamie and stop the rebellion. So, it's a bit of a historical and scientific conundrum. Therefore, I prefer my time travel stories to not interfere with past events as it just doesn't make sense. Unless it's a situation like in "Back To The Future" where the protagonist actually fills in some of the necessary blanks.

To be honest, I didn't enjoy this book as much as Outlander because I didn't feel that as much happened. But I still adore the relationship between Claire and Jamie, and that affection has only grown after reading this second installment. I will definitely be reading Voyager as soon as I can prepare myself for another hefty volume. And thank goodness for the ending of this book, which finally alleviated the slowly increasing depression I felt throughout. I can't wait to see where this will take our characters!

\\"Dragonfly in Amber\\" begins with Claire's return to 70s Scotland following the death of her husband Frank. It doesn't take a genius to immediately sense that something had gone terribly wrong between Claire and Jamie in the 18th century. So, I started the book with a hint of sadness, knowing that I was likely headed for a heartbreak.

However, the book soon delves back into Jamie and Claire's story through Claire's memories. We rejoin them where the first book left off - on their way to France to try and halt Charles Stuart's plans to reclaim the throne of Scotland. Naturally, a一连串 of adventures ensues as we witness our couple traveling from Paris to Lallybroch to Edinburgh, and so on.

Just like \\"Outlander,\\" \\"Dragonfly in Amber\\" is brimming with adventure, curious historical facts, fascinating characters, and deeply touching scenes of love and kinship. The passion and smuttiness of \\"Outlander\\" are almost nonexistent as Claire and Jamie settle into their comfortable marriage. You might miss it a little at the start, but soon the void is filled by scenes of true companionship and marital devotion. (I know, it sounds cheesy, but it really isn't.)

Although I truly enjoyed the book, I did have some concerns. Unlike \\"Outlander,\\" which was written entirely from Claire's point of view, this book jumps from first-person narration to third-person narration in the first and last parts of the book, and in the middle, it switches a few times from Claire's to Jamie's point of view. This bothered me. While I understand the need for it, I believe there could be a better way to tell the story without relying on multiple and sometimes unnecessary points of view.

The other issue I have is with the concept of time travel itself. I wonder how Gabaldon will handle this issue in her future books. For example, I couldn't quite understand why Claire would stop Jamie from killing Jack Randall to ensure the birth of her first husband Frank, but would readily agree to try and change the course of history, knowing that the consequences could theoretically affect the lives of millions of people, including her own. I'm still a bit puzzled by this. Also, is Gabaldon's theory that it's impossible to change the future at all? Because so far, Claire and Jamie have been unable to prevent anything from happening.

In spite of these concerns, \\"Dragonfly in Amber\\" is still an engrossing read that evokes both happiness and sadness, heartbreak and delight. I will definitely read \\"Voyager,\\" especially since this second book in the series ends with quite a cliffhanger.

Reading challenge: #1 - D

“Blood of my blood,” he whispered, “and bone of my bone. You carry me within ye, Claire, and ye canna leave me now, no matter what happens. You are mine, always, if ye will it or no, if ye want me or nay. Mine, and I wilna let ye go.”

  

“No,” I said softly, “nor can you leave me.”
“No,” he said, half-smiling. “For I have kept the last of the vow as well.” He clasped both hands about me, and bowed his head on my shoulder, so I could feel the warm breath of the words upon my ear, whispered to the dark.
“For I give ye my spirit, ’til our life shall be done.”

To say that these books have-slowly but surely-stolen my heart is an understatement. They are truly unique. I won't go on about how different they are from any I've read or how long I waited to read them. What I will say is that they offer something rare: complacency. I can pick up one of these books, set aside a couple of weeks to finish, and just immerse myself fully.


There's a languid feeling mixed with a gentle sense of panic and urgency and heart-attack inducing fangirl feels. It makes me a hopeless romantic, pining for a love like Jamie and Claire's. I love my husband, but as we've grown older, the expressiveness of his love has faded. Jamie, on the other hand, is adorably loyal and wears his heart on his sleeve.


That all being said, I feel in a wonderfully relaxed state while reading these books. There are beautiful moments of heart-spiking action and love declaring. It's nice to take a break from fast-paced YA fantasies and just enjoy the ride.


However, these books come with a price. There are many things that are triggers for me, especially in this one. But despite the heartbreak, this book was worth it. I finished last night, after re-reading the most heart-wrenching moments multiple times and bawling my eyes out. And that cliffhanger? It made me want more, even though I know what's coming in book three and I'm not sure I can handle it.


On a lighter note, I love when I lose sleep because I can't let go of the last moments of a book. I don't know when I'll pick up book three, but I'm already dying to move on, even though I know it'll be hard. Cheers to that.


*******************


These books challenge me in a way I'm not used to. I both loathe and adore them for it. On one hand, the triggers can be overwhelming. On the other hand, I love the details and the deep emotions. Jamie is the best book guy I've come across, and I'm a sucker for his love for Claire. I'm still drowning in a sea of tears, but I can't wait to write this review.

This piece of writing is an absolute joy to read. I truly loved it

1000 pages later, filled with a lowercase letter (!), I finished another volume of this saga that keeps me passionate!!!

The hysteria continued and I'll explain it better to you in the video, starting from minute 14:18):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsMBR...

After 1000 pages, which were filled with a single lowercase letter (!), I finally brought another volume of this captivating saga to a close. This saga has truly held my heart captive. The excitement and anticipation throughout the reading were palpable. As I turned each page, I was completely immersed in the story. The use of that one lowercase letter added an element of mystery and intrigue. It made me wonder what it could possibly signify. And now, I'm eager to share my thoughts and feelings with you in more detail. That's why I have prepared a video where I'll explain everything better, starting from minute 14:18. You can find the video at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsMBR.... I can't wait for you to watch it and join me in this wonderful journey of discovery.

I truly despise you, Gabaldon. The very mention of your name fills me with a sense of loathing and disgust. I don't know what it is about you that has made me feel this way, but it's a feeling that just won't go away. Maybe it's something you did, or maybe it's just the way you are. But whatever the reason, I can't stand you. I wish you would just disappear and leave me alone. I don't want to have anything to do with you ever again. You make me angry and frustrated, and I don't need that in my life. So, Gabaldon, I hope you get the message: I hate you!

\\n  \\n   

“‘No, my Sassenach,’ he said softly. ‘Open your eyes. Look at me. For that is your punishment, as it is mine. See what you have done to me, as I know what I have done to you. Look at me.’”

\\n  \\n

Don't know whether to congratulate or curse Diana Gabaldon. Can Claire and Jamie never get a break?!!

Expect love, loss, heartbreak, political infiltrations, battles, and frustrating separations along the way. I found this to be a mostly angsty read. Although there were the odd scenes that made my lips twitch, there were also quite a few that left me really mad or sad

In this captivating sequel to the unforgettable "Outlander", we are once again transported to the ancient European lands of yore. With a discerning eye, it captures both the historical revisionism and its own inherent absurdity associated with the seriously (heh heh) time traveling theme. Gabaldon has masterfully constructed a tremendously detailed world for us, making it feel like an extremely exciting history class lesson. (I truly believe that all dedicated readers have had at least a few such experiences in their lifetimes.) The flawless expertise is beyond question. Our immersion in these foreign terrains is complete.

And the plot! Yes, due to its ambitious scope and painstaking detail, it has a rollercoaster-like plot that constantly surprises the reader. Even a history enthusiast well-versed in 1700s Scotland and France will be unable to predict where "Dragonfly in Amber" will lead. The Sassenach and the Scottish Playgirl fantasy hunk might just be the quintessential Homecoming queen and king of the new novel series. Following them into their castle after the party (in this volume: at Versailles!!!!) would be our only choice as literary voyeuristic pervs. What joy!!!!

"I woke up three times in the dark predawn.
First in sorrow, then in joy, and at the last, in solitude."

The predawn hours are often a time of mystery and introspection. Waking up three times during this period, experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, is both disconcerting and profound. Sorrow may have filled the first awakening, perhaps due to a lingering dream or a subconscious worry. The second awakening in joy could have been a moment of unexpected inspiration or a fleeting memory of something beautiful. And then, the final awakening in solitude, facing the quiet stillness of the early morning alone, allows for self-reflection and a sense of calm.

Finally, having gathered my courage, I start this. Here we go. =D This simple statement implies a sense of determination and a willingness to take on whatever lies ahead. It could be the beginning of a new project, a journey of self-discovery, or simply the start of a new day with a positive mindset. The smiley face at the end adds a touch of optimism and excitement, as if the author is looking forward to the adventure that awaits.

Overall, this passage captures the essence of the early morning hours and the emotions and thoughts that can arise during this time. It also conveys a sense of courage and anticipation, making it a powerful and inspiring piece of writing.

Re-read for the 6th time???

SPOILERS ahead

I have been a fan of the books since 2001, and I am still astonished by how many of my fellow Outlander enthusiasts don't have a great affection for this book. I understand that this is related to two aspects. Firstly, the jarring beginning that makes us aware of our favorite couple being separated from each other. Secondly, Jamie and Claire leave the Scottish highlands for the glamorous Paris in an attempt to prevent the Jacobite uprising. It is a place where the rugged Scotsman Jamie Fraser doesn't seem to truly belong.

I, however, absolutely adored the intrigue of Louis' court and the characters we encounter - Mother Hildegard, Master Raymond, Mary Hawkins, Comte Ste Germain ( sidenote: he is my favorite DG villain), and even the Bonnie Prince himself. This is also the book in which I confessed that I wasn't already a huge fan of the couple Roger/Brianna. I could sense it coming, but it would still take me many, many years to accept it. Above all, Dragonfly in Amber contains one of my favorite scenes.

I bring ye your vengeance, lady, he (Murtagh) said, as quietly as I had ever heard him speak. He straightened and inclined his head in turn to Mary and Mrs. Munro. And justice for the wrong done to ye.
Mary sneezed and wiped her nose hastily with a fold of her plaid. She stared at Murtagh, eyes wide and baffled. I gazed down at the bulging saddlebag with a sudden deep chill that had nothing to do with the weather outside. But it was Hugh Munro's widow who sank to her knees, and with steady hands opened the bag and drew out the head of the Duke of Sandringham. Chapter 44, In Which Quite a Lot of Things Gang Agley

Yes, it's a bit bloodthirsty, but even after reading this so many times, the little hairs on my neck and arms still stand up a bit. However, I assure you that there are also numerous tender-hearted moments!

The Setup
When the first installment of Outlander concluded, Jamie and Claire found themselves in Paris after his daring escape from Wentworth prison. This new story commences back in the 20th century, a full 20 years later. Claire now has a daughter named Brianna, who remains blissfully unaware of her mother's remarkable travels in 18th century Scotland. Claire, in search of crucial information, has made her way back to Scotland, hoping to gain insights and find the answers she so desperately seeks.

The Issues
Claire's past has a profound impact on Brianna's future. With the recent passing of Frank Randall, Claire is now free not only to share the extraordinary events that occurred to her 20 years ago but also to embark on a search for Jamie. As she tells the story, Claire meticulously chronicles what took place after Jamie's rescue and how she ultimately found herself back in the present.

What I Loved About This Story
If you haven't delved into the world of Outlander, it might be wise to skip this section. I confess that I developed a soft spot for Jamie in the first book, but in this particular installment, I was completely and utterly captivated by him. He and Claire are unable to return to Scotland and are residing in Paris at the home of Jamie's uncle, Jared Fraser. Together, they undertake a perilous mission to alter the course of history by attempting to foil Bonnie Prince Charlie's ill-fated campaign to wrest Scotland from English rule. They must navigate the treacherous waters of politics, fend off numerous attempts on their lives, and Claire must continuously adjust to the ways of this foreign era. The story is rich with subterfuge, romance that will make your heart race, thrilling action, exciting adventure, and unexpected surprises at every turn. Through it all, Jamie and Claire's relationship grows stronger, and they discover the true depths of their feelings for each other. It's a messy, passionate, and utterly enchanting saga that spans three countries. Just when you think life is about to get easier for them, another seemingly insurmountable obstacle rears its ugly head.

Jamie also reveals himself to be much more than just a clever and devastatingly handsome Highlander. We are privy to a wealth of information about his background, which gives us a deeper understanding of why he and Claire are so perfectly suited for each other. Claire, for her part, continues to astound me with her shrewdness, quick-witted thinking, and remarkable intelligence. Although she sometimes manages to get them into hot water, more often than not, she is the one responsible for having Jamie's back.

My One Issue
I must admit that I wasn't overly fond of starting the story with Claire in the 20th century and then having to wait until the end of the book to discover how she got there. This unanswered question lingered in the background throughout the entire narrative, and for me, it was a bit of a distraction.

The Bottom Line
This is an extraordinary series that defies comparison to any other I've ever read or heard about. Jamie and Claire's love story lies at the very heart of it all, with the action and adventure serving as a thrilling backdrop. It's a story that is sometimes harsh and unforgiving, filled with events that will bring you to tears of both heartbreak and joy. Life in the 18th century is not the romanticized version that you may be accustomed to reading about, especially when seen through the eyes of a woman born two centuries later. I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly anticipate beginning the next chapter of this remarkable saga.